What to Use Instead of a Double Boiler

By Carol Owens Updated September 26, 2017

A double boiler is a specialized piece of cooking equipment composed of two saucepans made to fit one inside the other. The larger one on the bottom is filled with water that is brought to a boil. The smaller saucepan is placed over the water with the ingredient that needs heated or melted. Double boilers are used to melt chocolate, cook thick sauces or custards. Crafters use double boilers to melt wax for candle making. Most kitchen supply stores carry double boilers. If you don't have one or want to purchase one, you may already have an alternative to a double boiler in your kitchen.

Metal Bowl

Double boilers come in a variety of sizes.

The easiest alternative to a double boiler is to place a metal mixing bowl inside a saucepan; the bowl should be large enough and wide enough so that it doesn't touch the water in the pan. The bowl's sides should also be high enough to keep your foods from splattering when you stir the ingredients in the bowl. The bowl should fit snugly within the saucepan to keep the water or steam from escaping and ruining the sauce or chocolate. Fill the saucepan with about an inch of water.

Silicone Bowl

Silicone inserts are collapsible inserts designed to be used in a variety of pan sizes. They are inexpensive alternatives to double boilers. Silicone inserts are dishwasher-safe, oven-safe, microwave-safe and non-stick. To make sure the insert you choose fits your pans, measure the depth and diameter of your pans before you buy the insert. The insert will need to fit closely and have several inches of room between the insert and the pan. Silicone transfers heat more slowly than other materials.

Microwave

The microwave is a good alternative to a double boiler for simple melting projects. Chocolate or butter can easily be melted in a bowl in the microwave. Chop the food into small, uniform pieces and microwave it on the lowest setting of the microwave oven. Set the timer for 30 seconds at a time until the food is melted, stirring between each cycle.

Other Methods

Use two saucepans of different sizes in place of a double boiler. Make sure the smaller pan does not touch the bottom of the larger pan. For non-food items like candle wax or soap, a tin can placed in a pan with shallow water works well.

References

About the Author

Based in the Midwest, Carol Owens has been writing home, health and business-related articles since 1998. Her articles have appeared in the North County Review, "The Nearness of Day" anthology and on the PhoneSmart website. Owens received a Bachelor of Arts in art from Columbia College.